Wig-stabilising headband

ABSTRACT

A wig-stabilising headband ( 10 ) for enhancing the stability of an in-use wig ( 52 ), the headband ( 10 ) comprising an elongate main body ( 12 ) which is in or can be formed into a loop configuration. The elongate main body ( 12 ) has a head-facing surface, and a wig-facing surface. The head-facing surface has at least one first grip-enhancing element ( 40 ) for improving the frictional contact with a wearer&#39;s head. Similarly, the wig-facing surface has at least one second grip-enhancing element ( 42 ) for improving the frictional contact with an in-use wig ( 52 ).

The present invention relates to a headband for enhancing the stabilityof an in-use wig. The invention also relates to a wig set which includessuch a headband. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturinga headband for use with a wig, and a method of putting on a wig which isstabilised using such a headband.

Wigs are worn for a variety of reasons by people having no hair, littlehair or a full head of hair, such as in the entertainment industry. Inall cases when worn, accidental removal or sliding of the wig is anundesirable, yet common issue. This stability issue can be furtherexacerbated during physical activity, by the weight of the hair attachedto the wig, or insufficient friction between the wig and the wearer'shead, particularly where the wearer has hair naturally.

A current solution is to use a headband between the wig and the head.However, using a headband is not without issues. Discomfort due to heatand moisture trapped by the wig, is an issue exacerbated by wearing aheadband. An attachment means or connector is often provided on theheadband to allow the wearer to select the diameter of headband toensure a snug fit.

An attachment means may additionally be provided to grip the wig,thereby preventing or inhibiting the wig from accidentally slipping.However, these attachment means increase the complexity ofmanufacturing. Putting the wig on is more difficult and the wearer'sdiscomfort may be further increased, for example by the attachment meanscatching hair. The attachment means can damage the wig or the headbandand result in the headband not easily being washable. Over time, theattachment means may detach completely from the headband, rendering itunusable.

Realism of wigs is important. Wigs are often provided as a cap, usuallyformed of lace, to which hair is attached. Gaps may be formed due to thewefted structure of the lace cap. To improve the realism of the wig,wearers currently resort to filling in these gaps, visible at thehairline, with glue. Alternative options include bleaching the lace orpurchasing a wig with silk-lined lace. However, these solutions arecostly or involve additional unnecessary steps, including handlingdangerous chemicals.

The present invention seeks to provide a solution to these problems.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provideda wig-stabilising headband for enhancing the stability of an in-use wig,the headband comprising: an elongate main body which is in or can beformed into a loop configuration, the elongate main body having ahead-facing surface, and a wig-facing surface, the head-facing surfacehaving at least one first grip-enhancing element for improving thefrictional contact with a wearer's head, and the wig-facing surfacehaving at least one second grip-enhancing element for improving thefrictional contact with an in-use wig.

The headband provides additional stability to inhibit or prevent anin-use wig from falling or being accidentally removed.

Preferably, each first and/or second grip-enhancing element may be aprojection. Advantageously, each projection may have at least one of acylindrical profile and a conical profile. Beneficially, eachgrip-enhancing element on the head-facing surface may have a dimensionwhich may be sufficient to at least in part space-apart the head-facingsurface from a wearer's scalp for permitting increased circulation ofairflow between the head-facing surface and the wearer's scalp to reduceoverheating and thereby increase comfort. Optionally, said dimension maybe a length equal to or larger than a diameter of each said projection.

The grip-enhancing elements provide a gap or spacing to permit aerationas well as improving the frictional contact with a wearer's scalp. Suchgaps may furthermore accommodate a wearer's natural hair.

Preferably, the head-facing surface and the wig-facing surface may meetat or form a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge opposing thefirst lateral edge, and at least one of the first lateral edge and thesecond lateral edge has a non-linear profile. Furthermore, the profileof the first lateral edge and/or the second lateral edge may be aplurality of arcs for increased friction against the wearer's head toimprove the stability of the wig-stabilising headband. Advantageously,the profile of the first lateral edge and/or the second lateral edge maybe or may substantially be scalloped for increased friction against thewearer's head to improve the stability of the wig-stabilising headband.

The shaped profile of one or both edges further increases the stabilityof the headband by increasing the frictional contact between thewearer's head and the headband. This profile may additionally prevent orinhibit rotation of the headband around the wearer's head, which in turnprevents or inhibits the wig from accidentally being rotated about thewearer's head.

Beneficially, the wig-stabilising headband may be devoid of a connector.The absence of a connector simplifies the manufacture and the method ofputting on the headband. The product longevity and comfort to the wearerare also increased as a result.

Alternatively, the wig-stabilising headband may further comprise a firstend portion, a second end portion, opposite the first end portion, and aconnector for engaging the first end portion and the second end portiontogether to form a continuous band. The advantage is that the wearer isable to connect or disconnect the ends, allowing for the headband to beflat. The headband in the flat configuration is easier to store, totransport and/or to clean. Depending on the configuration of theconnector, the connector may allow the wearer to select the tightness ofthe headband.

Advantageously, each first and/or second grip-enhancing element may beformed of a material that allows each grip-enhancing element to be atleast in part compressible. Compressible material increases the comfortof the wearer as no hard elements are pressed against the scalp.Alternatively or additionally, compressibility of the grip-enhancingelements also improves the realism by allowing at least part of the oreach second grip-enhancing element to be received within the gaps due tothe wefted structure of the lace, thereby improving the realism.

Beneficially, the wig-stabilising headband may be formed of a materialthat allows the wig-stabilising headband to be stretchable for allowingadjustment to different head circumferences. Preferably, thewig-stabilising headband may be only formed of silicone. Silicone iseasily cleanable and can be shaped by moulding. By being provided from asingle, mouldable material and as a single size to fit all heads, themanufacturing process is simplified. Additionally, the wearer does nothave to choose between different sizes.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided awig-stabilising headband for enhancing the stability of an in-use wig,the headband comprising an elongate main body which is in or can beformed into a loop configuration, the elongate body having a head-facingsurface, and a wig-facing surface, the head-facing surface and thewig-facing surface meeting along a first lateral edge and a secondlateral edge, and at least one of the first lateral edge and the secondlateral edge having a non-linear profile.

The headband provides an enhanced stability by virtue of having anon-linear profile, compared to having a linear or substantially linearprofile, particularly as the non-linear profile may prevent rotationabout the wearer's head.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a wigset for allowing a user to wear a wig whilst preventing or inhibitingthe in-use wig from accidental removal or slippage, the wig setcomprising: a wig and a wig-stabilising headband. Preferably, the atleast one second grip-enhancing element projecting from the wig-facingsurface provides an increased contact area between the wig-stabilisingheadband and the in-use wig for improving the frictional contact andthereby the stability of the wig. These features improve the stabilityof the wig by improving the frictional contact between the headband andthe wig, rather than between the headband and the wearer's head.

Beneficially, the at least one second grip-enhancing element projectingfrom the wig-facing surface may provide the wig with a dimpling effect;and/or an edge of the wig is curled at or adjacent to the first lateraledge or second lateral edge of the wig-stabilising headband forimproving the realism of the in-use wig.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided amethod of manufacturing a wig-stabilising headband, the methodcomprising the steps of: a] providing an elongate strip of materialhaving a first major surface and a second major surface opposite thefirst major surface, a desired longitudinal extent, a first lateral edgeand a second lateral edge opposite the first lateral edge, a firstdistal end portion and a second distal end portion spaced-apart from thefirst distal end portion, and at least one of: a first and/or secondgrip-enhancing element on the first major surface and/or second majorsurface respectively, and

the first lateral edge and/or the second lateral edge having anon-linear profile; b] securing the first distal end portion and thesecond distal end portion together such that the elongate strip ofdesired longitudinal extent forms a continuous headband similar to orthe same as the wig-stabilising headband, wherein in-use, the firstmajor surface becomes a head-facing surface and the second major surfacebecomes a wig-facing surface.

Beneficially, the elongate strip may be formed of a material shaped viaa mould. Said material may advantageously be silicone. Preferably, instep b] the first distal end portion and the second distal end portionmay be secured together by bonding, gluing and/or fusing together thefirst distal end portion and the second distal end portion. Theadvantage is that the manufacturing of the headband is simplified,cheap, scalable, and reduces waste. The resulting headband is moredurable and cleanable compared to a headband having separate parts, suchas connectors.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a methodof manufacturing a wig-stabilising headband, the method comprising thestep of injecting a mouldable material into a mould shaped to provide anintegrally-formed continuous band.

This method further simplifies the manufacture by removing intermediatesteps and increasing the structural integrity of the product by reducingthe risk of structural failure at any given location, compared with twoends being fused together.

According the sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a methodof putting on a wig and increasing the stability of said wig, the methodcomprising the steps of: a] providing a wig set, and positioning thewig-stabilising headband around the head of a wearer; b] positioning afront end-portion of a wig to contact the in-use enhancedwig-stabilising headband; c] positioning a back end-portion and sides ofthe wig to contact the in-use enhanced wig-stabilising headband, suchthat the wig encloses the in-use enhanced wig-stabilising headband.Furthermore, the method may comprise a further step of d] tightening thewig by pulling the wig together at or adjacent to the wearer's nape.Putting on and stabilising a wig is quick, easy, and clean, as themethod requires no connectors, attachment means or glue to stabilise thewig.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, there is provided amethod of putting on a wig and increasing the stability of said wig, themethod comprising the steps of: a] providing a wig set, and positioningthe wig-stabilising headband around a wearer's head; b] applyingpressure to the wig-stabilising headband and rotating thewig-stabilising headband around the wearer's head in a direction, saiddirection being one of clockwise and anti-clockwise; c] positioning awig to enclose the in-use enhanced wig-stabilising headband.Additionally, the method may comprise a further step of: d] rotating thewig around the in-use enhanced wig-stabilising headband in a furtherdirection, said further direction being the other of clockwise andanti-clockwise. Furthermore, the method may comprise a further step of:e] tightening the wig by pulling the wig together at or adjacent to thewearer's nape. The headband and wig are easy to put on and frictionalcontact can be further increased by the wearer's actions.

The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of exampleonly, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a wig-stabilisingheadband in accordance with the first aspect of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a top view of the wig-stabilising headband of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3a shows a top view of an embodiment of an elongate strip ofmaterial in accordance with the fourth aspect of the invention;

FIG. 3b shows a bottom view of the elongate strip of FIG. 3 a;

FIG. 4 shows an enlarged view of the selected rectangle of thewig-stabilising headband of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 shows an enlarged view of the selected rectangle of thewig-stabilising headband of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 6 shows a side view of a wig set in accordance with the thirdaspect of the invention, in an in-use condition in accordance with thesixth aspect of the invention, with hair connected to the cap omittedfor clarity.

Firstly referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a wig-stabilising headband,indicated generally as 10, comprises an elongate main body 12 formedfrom an elongate, preferably polymeric, strip of material 14.

In this embodiment, the wig-stabilising headband 10 is a ring,continuous loop or band for improved structural integrity and enhancedproduct longevity, and thus has circumference or perimeter. The headband10 needs to be appropriately sized to be positionable around the head ofa wearer.

A selection of bands having a range of different circumferences may beprovided, but in this embodiment, for simplicity, the wig-stabilisingheadband 10 is preferably provided in a single size, perimeter orcircumference. The perimeter of the elongate main body 12 may equal orbe smaller than the average human head circumference to ensure a snugfit. Said perimeter or circumference is approximately 50 centimetres(cm), although any other circumference or perimeter in the range of 40cm to 61 cm may be envisioned.

Although polymeric, the wig-stabilising headband may be formed of otherplastics, fabric, metal, or any combination thereof. In any event, thematerial should allow the band 10 to be stretchable, pliable and/or atleast in part capable of elastic deformation for allowing adjustment todifferent head circumferences. Said material is preferably waterproof orwatertight, for example for enabling a user to swim whilst wearing theheadband.

Although the headband 10 is preferably re-usable, it may be disposable,and thus formed of recyclable material.

The above-mentioned preferred polymeric material of the wig-stabilisingheadband 10 is advantageously silicone, and preferably moulded silicone.However, any other suitable polymeric material may be envisioned. Inthis case, the wig-stabilising headband 10 is preferably only formed ofsilicone.

The elongate main body 12 of the headband 10 is formed from an elongatestrip of material 14 which is, in this case, formed via a mould or cast.The elongate strip of material 14 has a desired length or longitudinalextent or predetermined length 16, a lateral extent or width 18 and athickness 20. The lateral extent 18 may be any width included in therange of 1 cm to 8 cm, with 5 cm being preferred, to provide anincreased coverage in order to enhance stability.

The thickness 20 is substantially uniform throughout, along both thelength 16 and width 18, although this need not necessarily be the case.The thickness 20 may range from 0.5 mm to 5 mm, with a preference for 1mm for weight, structural integrity and manufacturing costconsiderations. The elongate strip of material 14 additionally has afirst major surface 22 and a second major surface 24 opposing the firstmajor surface 22, as shown in FIGS. 3a and 3 b.

When the headband 10 is worn, the first major surface 22 of the elongatemain body 12 faces the scalp of the user, such that said first majorsurface 22 is also known as a head-facing surface, scalp-facing surfaceor a user-facing surface.

The second major surface 24 of the elongate main body 12 may also beknown as the wig-facing surface, as facing away from the wearer's head,and if in-use with a wig, towards the wig. The first major surface 22and the second major surface 24 join or meet along the longitudinalextent 16 to form a first lateral edge 26, and a second lateral edge 28opposing the first lateral edge 26.

Thus, the first lateral edge 26, and second lateral edge 28 extend alongat least part of, and in this case, substantially all of thelongitudinal extent 16.

The first lateral edge 26 may also be known as a first long edge, afirst latitudinal surface, a first lateral surface or a first lateralend. Similarly, the second lateral edge 28 may also be known as a secondlong edge, a second latitudinal surface, a second lateral surface or asecond lateral end. At least one of, and in this case, each of the firstlateral edge 26 and the second lateral edge 28 has a profile or shape orshaping 30, which is preferably non-linear.

A linear edge of a band may be considered to be curved due to followingthe curvature of the head when said band is in-use. Similarly, thelateral surfaces of a band may be non planar when considered inlatitudinal cross-section. However, it is to be understood in this casethat the non-linear profile 30 refers to the shaping of the lateraledges 26, 28 along the longitudinal extent 16, i.e. in a longitudinalcross-section.

Compared to a substantially linear edge, a non-linear profile 30increases friction, particularly rotational friction along thecircumference or longitudinal extent 16, against the wearer's head.Increasing friction prevents or inhibits rotation which in turn improvesthe stability of the wig-stabilising headband 10. The profile of thefirst lateral edge 26 and/or the second lateral edge 28 may be partlycurved, irregular or regular, such as by being at least one saw tooth, asquare wave, sinusoidal, or one or a plurality of arcs. As best shown inFIG. 4, the profile of the first lateral edge 26 and/or the secondlateral edge 28 is or is substantially scalloped. The lateral edges 26,28 may be linear or non-linear in latitudinal cross-section. Preferably,they may be rounded for additional comfort and increased realism.

Furthermore, the first major surface 22 and the second major surface 24join or meet to form a first distal end 32 and a second distal end 34,opposite and longitudinally spaced-apart from the first distal end 32.

The first distal end 32 may also be referred to as a first longitudinaledge or first end surface. The second distal end 34 may also be referredto as a second longitudinal edge or second end surface. The first distalend 32 extends along at least part of or all the width 18. Similarly,the second distal end 34 extends along at least part of or all the width18, but the extents of the first distal end 32 and second distal end 34need not necessarily be the same.

The elongate strip of material 14 additionally has a first end portion36 and a second end portion 38 opposing the first end portion 36.

The first end portion or first distal end portion 36 comprises the firstlongitudinal edge 32, and at least part of the first major surface 22,the second major surface 24, the first lateral edge 26 and the secondlateral edge 28. Similarly, the second end portion or second distal endportion 38 comprises the second longitudinal edge 34, and at least partof the first major surface 22, the second major surface 24, the firstlateral edge 26 and the second lateral edge 28.

As the elongate strip of material 14 is formed into a loop configurationduring manufacture to produce the wig-stabilising headband 10, thelongitudinal extent 16 of the elongate strip of material 14 is at leastequal to or longer than the perimeter of the wig-stabilising headband10. This allows the first end portion 36 and the second end portion 38to partially overlap each other when the elongate strip of material 14is formed into a loop configuration.

At least part of the first end portion 36 is or is substantiallycomplementarily shaped with the second end portion 38. In this case, thefirst end portion 36 is substantially shaped as a projection or tongue,which is abuttable and/or receivable within the second end portion 38.Such complementary shaping aids in the alignment of the ends 36, 38relative to each other, improving manufacturing consistency. The firstend portion 36 and/or the second end portion 38 may additionally have aslightly reduced thickness such that, when the first end portion 36overlaps the second end portion 38, the resulting, localised thicknessof the first and second end portions 36, 38 is substantially consistentwith the thickness 20 of the elongate strip of material 14.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first major surface 22 has at least onegrip-enhancing element 40, also known as a first grip-enhancing element.Similarly, the second major surface 24 has at least one further saidgrip-enhancing element 42, also known as a second grip-enhancingelement. The or each first grip-enhancing element 40 and secondgrip-enhancing element 42 are positioned on all or, as shown in FIGS. 3aand 3b , on at least a substantial portion of the first and second majorsurfaces 22, 24 respectively. Part of the first and second end portions36, 38 may be devoid of one or more first and/or second grip-enhancingelement 40, 42 on one or both surfaces 22, 24, although this need notnecessarily be the case. The advantage is to reduce the local thicknessand increase the contact area of the first and second end portions 36,38.

Each first grip-enhancing element 40 of the head-facing surface 22 isformed of a material that allows each grip-enhancing element 40 to be atleast in part compressible and/or deformable, in this case silicone.Each first grip-enhancing element 40 is a projection or protrusion, andtherefore is cantilevered, such that each first grip-enhancing element40 has a tip or distal element end 44; a diameter 46; and a longitudinalextent 48, also referred to as a dimension, length or height.

As shown in FIG. 5, each first grip-enhancing element 40 has a conicalprofile, and/or a substantially cylindrical profile. The conical and/orcylindrical profile may or may not be chamfered and/or at leastpartially rounded for added comfort.

The height 48 is sufficient to at least in part space-apart thehead-facing surface from the scalp of a wearer and to form a gap orspacing 50. Such a gap 50 permits increased circulation of airflowbetween the head-facing surface and the wearer's scalp to reduceoverheating and ventilate moisture or sweat, thereby increasing comfort.

As shown, there are a plurality of first grip-enhancing elements 40 andat least one first grip-enhancing element 40 is spaced-apart from afurther said first grip-enhancing element 40. The spacing-apart betweenelements 40 further improves the aeration of the scalp. The height 48(not shown to scale in FIG. 5) is preferably equal to or larger than thediameter 46 of each said first grip-enhancing element 40. Said height 48is 0.5 mm, in this embodiment, and the diameter 46 is approximately 0.3mm such that a circumference of each cylindrical projection isapproximately 1 mm, although other combinations of length and diametervalues may be envisioned to obtain a circumference of 1 mm or even anyother circumference in the range of 0.5 mm to 5 mm.

In a further modification, the height may be smaller than the diameter,although this would result in a less effective ventilation of the scalp.

If the wearer has hair naturally, the or each gap 50 may accommodate thewearer's hair whilst at least some of the tips 44 contact the wearer'sscalp. Additionally or alternatively, the first grip-enhancing elements40 may act as teeth between the wearer's hair, which may further preventaccidental slipping of the headband 10 and wig. In all cases, the atleast one, and as shown, the plurality of first grip-enhancing elements40 projecting from the head-facing surface improve the frictionalcontact with the head of a wearer.

Therefore, each first grip-enhancing element 40 on the head-facingsurface has at least two functions. The first function is to improve orenhance stability of the headband 10 and by extension, an in-use wig viaincreasing frictional contact between the headband 10 and the head,particularly if the wearer has any hair of their own. The secondfunction is to improve aeration which removes heat and/or moisture toincrease comfort and hygiene. As such, the grip-enhancing elements 40 ofthe head-facing surface may also be known as spacer elements orventilation-enhancing elements.

Each second grip-enhancing element 42 of the wig-facing surface 24 issimilar or the same as each first grip-enhancing element 40 of thehead-facing surface 22, having similar profile, material properties, anddimensions. Detailed description of the common features is omitted forbrevity.

The second grip-enhancing element or elements 42 differ from the firstgrip-enhancing elements 40 by their function. The at least one secondgrip-enhancing element 42 projecting from the wig-facing surface 24provides an increased area of contact between the wig-stabilisingheadband 10 and an in-use wig for improving the frictional contact withsaid wig, rather than with the head of the wearer. This increasedfrictional contact thereby improves the wig stability by preventing orinhibiting unwanted movement of the wig relative to the headband, andtherefore indirectly relative to the head. A secondary function of thesecond grip-enhancing elements 42 and/or the wig-facing surface 24 is toimprove the realism of the in-use wig.

The headband 10 can be used as part of a wig set comprising thewig-stabilising headband 10 and a wig 52, as shown in FIG. 6. The wigset allows a user to wear the wig 52 whilst the headband 10 prevents orinhibits the in-use wig 52 from accidental removal or slippage. The wig52 comprises a structure, mesh or cap 54 to which hair (not shown) isconnected. Said structure 54 is usually made of lace and has an edge(not shown). In FIG. 6, the edge of the cap 54 is not shown as it isreceivable and/or tucked beneath the first lateral edge 26 in thisembodiment. However, this need not necessarily be the case.

In-use, in order to provide the wig-stabilising headband 10, thewig-stabilising headband 10 needs to first be manufactured.

A mould or cast shaped to form at least one elongate strip of material14 is obtained and subsequently injected with a sufficient amount of amouldable material. The mouldable material is silicone in this case, butany other suitable polymer may be envisioned. Thus, the elongate stripis formed of injection moulded silicone. Each elongate strip of material14 is produced to the correct dimensions by being moulded in a mould ofthe correct dimensions, although this need not necessarily be the case.

Preferably, the mould additionally has appropriately shaped andpositioned recesses, notches or grooves to allow the elongate strip 14and the first and/or second grip-enhancing elements 40, 42 to beintegrally formed with each other. Additionally to or instead ofrecesses to provide first and second grip-enhancing elements 40, 42, themould may be shaped to provide one or both profiled edges 26, 28. Thus,the mould is shaped or adapted to provide the elongate strip of material14 having the first major surface 22, the second major surface 24, thefirst lateral edge 26, the second lateral edge 28, the first end portion36, the second end portion 38, the desired or pre-determined lengthwhich is, in this case, the longitudinal extent 16, and at least one of:a first grip-enhancing element 40 on the first major surface 22 and/orsecond major surface 24, and the first lateral edge 26 and/or the secondlateral edge 28 having a non-linear profile 30.

The elongate strip 14, the at least one first second grip-enhancingelement 40 and second grip-enhancing element 42 are integrally formedwith each other in this case, such that the first and secondgrip-enhancing elements 40, 42 are formed of silicone, and by a mould.It is appreciated, however, that the non-linear profile or profilesand/or grip-elements may be added secondarily.

The elongate strip of material 14 is subsequently removed from the mouldand may be stored prior to usage.

The first end portion 36 and the second end portion 38 are moved towardseach other to form a loop or ring. The first and second end portions 36,38 are held in proximity with each other, and made to overlap and/orabut each other. In this case, the complementary portions are made toengage with each other. The first end portion 36 and the second endportions 38 are then secured together such that the elongate strip 14forms the main body 12 of the continuous wig-stabilising headband 10.The first and the second end portions 36, 38 are secured together bypartially fusing, bonding or melting one or both the first end portion36 and the second end portion 38 together.

As such, the first end portion 36 and second end portion 38 arepermanently or substantially permanently connected to each other. Theend portions 36, 38 may even be considered to be entirely absent fromthe final product, such that the headband 10 has no first or second ends32, 34. Consequently, the elongate strip of material 14 requires noconnector, attachment means or fastener to allow the interconnection ofthe first end portion 36 and the second end portion 38. Thus, thewig-stabilising headband 10 is devoid of a connector or attachmentmeans.

Additionally, the headband 10 does not require any connector, fastener,attachment means or glue to enhance the stability of a wig. Additionallyor alternatively, material may be injected between the overlapping firstend portion and the second end portion such that the injected materialacts as glue. Said injected material may not necessarily be, butpreferably would be the same material as the elongate strip.

The wig-stabilising headband 10 is now in a wearable or assembledcondition. A wearer may increase the stability of a wig 52 by putting onthe wig-stabilising headband 10 provided prior to putting on the wig 52.The wig-stabilising headband 10 is positioned around the head of awearer, at, adjacent to, and preferably, slightly behind the hairlinerelative to the wearer's face, or thereabouts if the wearer has littleto no hair, as shown in FIG. 6.

The hair of the wearer may be cleaned, and the hairline dried beforepositioning of the band 10, for hygiene purposes and to improve thestabilising efficacy of the wig-stabilising headband 10, although thisis optional. When the headband 10 is worn, preferably, the first majorsurface 22 faces the user's head, such that said first major surface 22becomes the head-facing surface, and the second major surface 24 becomesthe wig-facing surface as facing away from the user's head, and towardsthe wig 52 when worn.

However, as the grip-enhancing elements 40 of the first major surface 22are substantially the same in geometry and dimensions as those of thesecond major surface 24, the headband 10 may be reversibly wearable suchthat the second major surface 24 may instead face the user's head andthe first major surface 22 may face away from the user's head. Thegrip-enhancing elements 40, 42 would adopt and fulfil the respectivefunction appropriate to the wig-facing surface and the head-facingsurface. Thus, the head-facing surface may be either one of the firstmajor surface 22 and the second major surface 24, and the wig-facingsurface may be the other of the first major surface 22 and the secondmajor surface 24.

The wig 52 is then positioned to enclose the in-use enhancedwig-stabilising headband 10 as shown in FIG. 6, although FIG. 6 showsthe wig 52 with the hair omitted for clarity. To position the wig 52,the front or front end-portion of the wig 52, corresponding with theportion closest to the wearer's face, is made to contact the headband 10first. The sides and back or back-end portion of the wig 52 aresubsequently made to contact the headband 10. The wig 52 now encloses orsubstantially encloses the headband 10.

The positioning of the wig 52 may be further adjusted if required. Inparticular, the wig 52 may be further tightened by stretching, tuggingor pulling the wig 52 together at or adjacent to the nape or neck of thewearer.

The realism of the in-use wig 52 is improved by the headband 10imitating or substantially matching the appearance of the wearer's skinbeneath the lace cap 54. Due to the thickness 20 and material propertiesof the headband 10, the headband 10 in this embodiment is partiallytransparent such that the underlying skin tone or colour is not or notsubstantially altered or obscured, thereby reducing the contrast. Thismay not necessarily be the case however. The headband 10 also improvesthe realism of the wig 52 by providing an improved base, surface ormedium upon which to apply makeup. The base is substantially dry,particularly compared to wigs which require glue to reduce slippage.This base improves the adherence of powder and/or foundation makeupapplied, whilst providing a more natural look and/or matte effect.

To remove the wig set, the wearer can simply remove the wig 52 then band10 one after the other or both simultaneously. If required, the headband10 can be easily cleaned and/or dried until it is next required.

The headband 10 provides a simpler and cleaner way to wear the wig 52.As no glue is required to stabilise the wig 52 relative to the headband10 in this embodiment, there is no possibility of droplets of glueoozing out from under the cap 54 and/or permeating the wearer's own hairif the wearer has any hair naturally. This also negates the requirementfor the wearer to wash their head following removal of the wig 52.

Although in this embodiment, the headband 10 and the wig 52 are simplypositioned around the wearer's crown, it could be envisioned thatadditional and/or alternative steps may be undertaken to increase thestability of the headband and/or the wig. In particular, pressure may beapplied to the wig-stabilising headband whilst it is rotated or shiftedaround the wearer's head in a direction, said direction being one ofclockwise and anti-clockwise. The pressure and rotation may be appliedmanually. Rotation may be undertaken, particularly but not necessarily,until maximal resistance is felt.

Optionally, in order to increase the friction between the wig and theheadband, the wig may be rotated around the in-use enhancedwig-stabilising headband in a further direction, said further directionbeing the other of clockwise and anti-clockwise. Rotation may beundertaken until maximal resistance is felt. This rotation may increasefrictional contact between the wig and the headband by deforming,compressing and/or at least partially folding or rotating the or aplurality of the grip-enhancing elements on the wig-facing surface. Thismay increase the surface area of contact between the wig and theheadband and/or temporarily trap portions of the cap between thegrip-enhancing elements and the elongate main body.

To remove the wig set, there is no requirement to rotate the wig or theheadband prior to removal. In this embodiment, the realism of the wig 52is improved by imitating the appearance of the underlying skin andreducing the contrast between the wearer's uncovered skin, and the skinoverlaid by the cap 54 and and headband 10. The headband may alsoimprove the realism of the wig in other ways.

For instance, the lace cap of the in-use wig may be shaped into peaksand troughs by the at least one second grip-enhancing element projectingfrom the wig-facing surface. As such, the headband may provide the wigwith a dimpling effect, which adds to the realism of the wig, andfurther improves the adherence of makeup to the wig and/or band.

Additionally or alternatively, the wig, particularly the edge of the wigmay be at least partially curled at, adjacent to, or around and underthe first or second lateral edge of the wig-stabilising headband,whichever edge is proximal to the wearer's face. This may furtherimprove the realism of the in-use wig by forming a more natural-lookingartificial hairline, particularly compared to wigs where the wig edge issubstantially visible by becoming spaced-apart from the wearer's skin.As natural hairlines may not be substantially linear, the non-linearprofile may further enhance realism by providing a non-linear artificialhairline.

Alternatively or additionally, grip-enhancing elements made ofcompressible material may enhance the realism of the wig by at leastpartially filling any gaps in the lace edge, said gaps being due to thewefted structure of the lace. Realism may be further improved byreducing the contrast between the lace and the skin visible through thegaps and/or by forming a substantially continuous surface.

In this embodiment, each elongate strip of material 14 is produced tothe correct dimensions by being moulded in a mould of the correctdimensions. The wig-stabilising headband 10 is subsequently formed byfusing or gluing the two ends together to form a continuous loop.However, alternative methods of manufacture could be envisioned.

For instance, it could be envisioned that the wig-stabilising headbandmay be manufactured by injecting a mouldable material, which may or maynot be silicone, into a mould shaped to provide an integrally-formedcontinuous band or loop having no first and second ends. Thismanufacturing method would reduce the number of steps required,simplifying the manufacturing process, saving time, reducing costs,reducing the skill required to produce the headband and potentiallyincreasing the consistency and structural integrity of the final productby removing a structural weakness.

Alternatively, it could be envisioned that one or more elongate stripsof material may be obtained from an extra-long source strip orpre-elongate strip of material which is longer than the longitudinalextent of at least one elongate strip. Such a pre-elongate strip ofmaterial may have at least a free or first end, for example if it isbeing unwound from a large roll, and preferably a second end. Thepre-elongate strip may be formed by moulding. The pre-elongate strip ofmaterial may then be adjusted, such as by being cut, to a desiredlength, wherein the desired length corresponds to the longitudinalextent of the elongate strip of material.

In this case, the elongate strip 14 and the at least one firstgrip-enhancing element 40, 42 are integrally formed but this need notnecessarily be the case. For example, the elongate strip may be producedwithout any or with fewer grip-enhancing elements. Grip-enhancingelements may be subsequently added, such as by being glued, connectedto, or moulded onto the elongate strip.

In a further modification, an elongate strip may be produced havinggrip-enhancing elements on only one of the major surfaces. The other ofthe major surfaces of two such elongate strips may subsequently becombined, connected, glued, fused, or melted together to provide anelongate strip having grip-enhancing elements on both the wig-facingsurface and the head-facing surface. One or more further intermediatelayers may even be inserted therebetween, and said intermediate layermay be coloured and/or customised such that each headband is unique.Alternatively, both surfaces of the first and second ends may be fullycovered with grip-enhancing elements, a subset of which are subsequentlyremoved, flattened or melted.

In a further modification, the elongate strip may be initially devoid ofone or both shaped complementary portions and said complementary portionor portions may be subsequently connected, glued, melted or fused withthe relevant end. In a further modified embodiment, the first and/orsecond ends may have no complementarily shaped portions. Instead, thefirst distal end and second distal end may be connected by a connectorand/or glued or fused together. Said abuttable distal ends may besubstantially planar or, for increasing contact area, non-planar. Ifplanar, the surfaces may be perpendicular to the first and second majorsurfaces, but non-perpendicular faces may be envisioned.

In a further modification, the wig-stabilising headband may not bemanufactured by fusing or melting the first and second ends together.Instead, the headband may have a first end, a second end, and aconnector for engaging the first end portion and the second end portionto form a continuous band, a loop configuration or ring such that thewig-stabilising headband becomes wearable. Said connector may be atleast one of glue, a clamp, clip, mutually engageable shapings, a hook,a two-part engagement means such as hook and loop portions or a hole andbutton, and interference fit such as a press stud. Such a connector maypermit the wearer to adjust or further adjust the headband perimeter toensure a snug fit. However, the connector may weaken the structuralintegrity and reduce the shelf life of the product. The connector maynot be washable such that the headband is less hygienic. The connectormay complicate the putting on of the headband. The discomfort may beincreased due to the connector snagging or catching the wearer's hair,scratching their scalp, or simply being a hard element pressed into thescalp.

In this embodiment, the wig-stabilising headband 10 is provided with atleast one first grip-enhancing element 40 on each of the head-facingsurface and at least one first grip-enhancing element 42 on thewig-facing surface. This need not necessarily be the case, such thatone, neither or both the head-facing surface and the wig-facing surfacemay have at least one grip-enhancing element.

In an alternative embodiment, the wig-stabilising headband may enhancethe stability of an in-use wig by comprising an elongate main body whichis in or can be formed into a loop configuration, the elongate bodyhaving a head-facing surface, and a wig-facing surface, wherein thehead-facing surface and the wig-facing surface meet along a firstlateral edge and a second lateral edge, and at least one of the firstlateral edge and the second lateral edge has a non-linear profile. Inother words, the non-linear shaping on one or both edges may besufficient to enhance the stability of an in-use wig whilst neither,one, or both the head-facing surface and the wig-facing surface may haveone or more grip-enhancing elements. Alternatively, the first and/orsecond lateral edge may not necessarily require a non-linear shaping toenhance the stability of the in-use wig. In this alternative case, theor each grip-enhancing element on at least one of the head-facingsurface and the wig-facing surface may be sufficient to improve orenhance the wig stability.

Each projection in this embodiment has at least one of a conical profileand a cylindrical profile, however other profiles or cross-sections maybe envisaged such as at least partly curved or non-curved, linear,sinusoidal, a polygon, regular or irregular, such as a square,rectangle, triangle, trapezoid or trapezium, hexagon, octagon, a circle,oval, or teardrop shape, or any other suitable shape. The or at leastone projection may even have a sucker element to further improve thestability of the headband relative to the head and/or the wig relativeto the headband.

In this embodiment, the grip-enhancing elements 40, 42 projecting fromeach of the first and second major surfaces 22, 24 respectively aresubstantially similar or the same as each other in all but function,such that the headband 10 is reversibly wearable and the grip-enhancingelements 40, 42 can adopt the relevant functions.

It could alternatively be envisioned that the grip-enhancing element orelements projecting from the first major surface differ from that orthose of the second major surface, so to better perform their respectivefunctions. In this alternative case, the headband may not be reversiblywearable, or it may be reversibly worn but the grip-enhancing elementsmay not fulfil their function appropriately. It may even be envisionedthat the at least one grip-enhancing element may differ from a furthergrip-enhancing element on the same surface. The headband 10 in thisembodiment is used for stabilising or fixing a wig in position, howeverit may be used with other types of headwear, such as a hat, scarf, hood,or veil.

It is therefore possible to provide a headband, a wig set comprising thesame for enhancing the stability of an in-use wig. The headband providesenhanced stability by increasing the frictional contact with both anin-use wig and the wearer's head, particularly if the wearer has hair oftheir own. The headband improves the comfort of the wearer by allowingmore air to circulate close to the scalp, thereby ventilating the heatand dissipating moisture. The realism of an in-use wig is heightenedwhilst the headband is simpler to put on and to clean. The absence ofany attachment means improves the wearability, comfort and shelf-life ofthe headband. The method of manufacture is simplified, reducing costsand provides a durable product. The material used, preferably silicone,allows for the headband to be stretchable and at least in partcompressible for improved comfort.

The words ‘comprises/comprising’ and the words ‘having/including’ whenused herein with reference to the present invention are used to specifythe presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but donot preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,integers, steps, components or groups thereof. It is appreciated thatcertain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described inthe context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combinationin a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the inventionwhich are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment,may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only,and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled inthe field without departing from the scope of the invention as definedherein.

1: A wig-stabilising headband comprising: an elongate main body which isin or can be formed into a loop configuration, the elongate main bodyhaving a head-facing surface, and a wig-facing surface, the head-facingsurface having at least one first grip-enhancing element, and thewig-facing surface having at least one second grip-enhancing element,the head-facing surface and the wig-facing surface meeting at or forminga first lateral edge and a second lateral edge opposing the firstlateral edge, and at least one of the first lateral edge and the secondlateral edge having a non-linear profile. 2: A wig-stabilising headbandas claimed in claim 1, wherein each first and/or second grip-enhancingelement is a projection. 3: A wig-stabilising headband as claimed inclaim 2, wherein each projection has at least one of a cylindricalprofile and a conical profile. 4: A wig-stabilising headband as claimedin claim 1, wherein each first grip-enhancing element on the head-facingsurface has a dimension which is sufficient to at least in partspace-apart the head-facing surface from the scalp of the wearer. 5: Awig-stabilising headband as claimed in claim 4, wherein said dimensionis a length equal to or larger than a diameter of each said projection.6. (canceled) 7: A wig-stabilising headband as claimed in claim 1,wherein the profile of the first lateral edge and/or the second lateraledge is a plurality of arcs. 8: A wig-stabilising headband as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the profile of the first lateral edge and/or the secondlateral edge is or is substantially scalloped. 9: A wig-stabilisingheadband as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wig-stabilising headband isdevoid of a connector. 10: A wig-stabilising headband as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the wig-stabilising headband further comprises a firstend portion, a second end portion, opposite the first end portion, and aconnector.
 11. (canceled) 12: A wig-stabilising headband as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the wig-stabilising headband is formed of a materialthat allows the wig-stabilising headband to be stretchable. 13: Awig-stabilising headband as claimed in claim 1, wherein thewig-stabilising headband is only formed of silicone.
 14. (canceled) 15:A wig set comprising: a wig and a wig-stabilising headband as claimed inclaim
 1. 16: A wig set as claimed in claim 15, wherein the at least onesecond grip-enhancing element projecting from the wig-facing surfaceprovides an increased contact area between the wig-stabilising headbandand the in-use wig. 17: A wig set as claimed in claim 15, wherein the atleast one second grip-enhancing element projecting from the wig-facingsurface provides the wig with a dimpling effect; and/or an edge of thewig is curled at or adjacent to the first lateral edge or second lateraledge of the wig-stabilising headband. 18: A method of manufacturing awig-stabilising headband as claimed in claim 1, the method comprisingthe steps of: a] providing an elongate strip of material having a firstmajor surface and a second major surface opposite the first majorsurface, a desired longitudinal extent, a first lateral edge and asecond lateral edge opposite the first lateral edge, a first distal endportion and a second distal end portion spaced-apart from the firstdistal end portion, and at least one of: a first and/or secondgrip-enhancing element on the first major surface and/or second majorsurface respectively, and the first lateral edge and/or the secondlateral edge having a non-linear profile; b] securing the first distalend portion and the second distal end portion together such that theelongate strip of desired longitudinal extent forms a continuousheadband similar to or the same as the wig-stabilising headband claimedin claim 1, wherein in-use, the first major surface becomes ahead-facing surface and the second major surface becomes a wig-facingsurface. 19: A method of manufacturing a wig-stabilising headband asclaimed in claim 18, wherein the elongate strip is formed of a materialshaped via a mould. 20: A method of manufacturing a wig-stabilisingheadband as claimed in claim 18, wherein in step b] the first distal endportion and the second distal end portion are secured together bybonding, gluing and/or fusing together the first distal end portion andthe second distal end portion.
 21. (canceled)
 22. (canceled) 23.(canceled)
 24. (canceled)
 25. (canceled)